Corking-machine.



No.743,251. PATENTED Nov.3,19os.

. i. GUOMBER. GORKING MACHINE.

APPLIOATION'PILED MAY 26. 1903.

N0 MODEL. Z SHEETS-SHEET 1.

No. 743,251 PATENTBB Nov. s, 190s.

J. GOOMBER.

GORKING MACHINE.

4 APPLICATION FILED MAY 26. 1903. .N0 MODEL. 2 BHI'SETS---SlrHI-.T` 2.

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ivo. 743,251.

UNTTED STATES ratentea November s, 190e.

PATENT OEETCE.

JAMES COOMBER, OF NEW YORK, N. Y., ASSIGNOR TO HUGO REISINGER, OF NEW YORK, N. Y., AND FRED GERL'ACH, TRUSTEE, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

CORKING-MACHINE.

f EPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 743,251, dated November 3, 1903.

Application filed May 26. 1903. Serial No. 158,815. (No model.)

To @ZL tf1/c0711, t may concern.:

Be it known that I, J AMES COOMBER, a resident of the city of New York, in the county and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Corking-Machines, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description.

The invention relates to devices whereby corks or stoppers are inserted into bottles, jars, and the like.

The invention designs tor provide an improved cork-compress'or; secondly, a machine embodying a cork-compressor and bottleholder and unitary operating means, whereby both the compressor and holder are conjointly operated; an improved holding device whereby a bottle will beheld in position to receive a cork from the compressor; an improved hand-operated corking-machine, and, lastly, an improved corking-machine.

The invention consists in the several novel features hereinafter set forth, and more particularly defined by claims at the conclusion hereof.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a side elevation of a machine embodying the preferred form of the invention. Fig. 2 is a central longitudinal section. Fig. 31s a section on line 3 3 of Fig. 2, the compressor parts being shown in open or spread position. Fig. 4 is a section on line 4 4 of Fig. 2. Figs. 5 and 6 are inverted plans showing the bottle-holder in open and closed positions, respectively. Fig. 7 is a section on line 7 7 of Fig. 3. i

The several'parts of the machine are sustained by a frame 9, which is usually removably secured to a convenient stationary support 11, such as a table or counter, by an adjustable clamp 10.

The improved cork-compressor comprises two laterally-swinging coperating members or jaws 12 and 15, between which a socket 14, adapted to receive and hold a cork, is formed. Jaw l2 is pivotally sustained and connected with the frame by pin 13. Jaw 15 is pivotally connected by a pin 18 with a lever 19, which is pivotally connected with the frame by a pin 20 and provided with a handle21, whereby the lever and connected parts can be manually shifted. Jaw 15, which is mov- .trically disposed with respect to each other.

The differential shift of the jaws resulting from the non-coincident or relatively eccentric pivots eects closing of the jaws into position to compress a cork when the jaws are swung in one direction and spreading of the jaws into position to receive a cork when the jaws are reversely shifted. The connection between jaws 15 and 12 causes simultaneous shift of said jaws. Pivotal connection 18 and the connection between jaws 12 and 15 operatively connect jaw 12 with lever 19`and leave jaw 15 free to aline or adjust itself with respect to jaw 12 throughout the pivotal movement of the jaws. The jaws are arranged so that when a cork is compressed therebetween the cork is held in proper position beneath a cork-driver to be ejected from the compressor by the driver. When in spread position, the jaws are positioned at the side of the frame so a cork can be conveniently placed therebetween. Shift of the jaws by handle 21 simultaneously swings thejaws into position beneath the driver and moves the jaws toward each other to compress the cork. Reverse shift simultaneously swings the jaws t0 the side of the frame and spreads the jaws.

The connections between the compressor members are arranged so the members are self-retained against displacement when a compressed cork is held therebetween and in position to be ejected. The front face of frame 9 restricts the movement of jaw 12. When the jaws are in the position seen in Fig. 4, the compressed cork exerts its force substantially in the direction of a line extending through pivots 18 and 20, commonly termed the dead-line. Resultantly lateral IOO despite the compressed cork and is devoid of locking means, which require manual release before reverse operation becomes possible.

The improved holder for securing a bottle beneath the compressor while the cork is being driven comprises a pair of jaws 37 and 38, each of which is provided with a curved portion adapted toengage the mouth portion or neck of a bottle and an elastic lining 39 and each of which is separately and fixedly pivoted by pin 41 to the frame extension 22. Positive equidistant and simultaneous shift in opposite direction of the holder-jaws is effected by a connector 43, which is snugly seated in a notch in said jaws.

The operating means for the bottle-holder comprises a lever 44, pivotally connected by pin 45 with'the free end of jaw 37, a link 46,

vpivotally connected with lever 44 by pin 47 and guided in a slot 48 in jaw 38, (sec dotted lines, Fig. 6,) a spring 50, surrounding link 46 and impinging against the outer side of jaw 38, and an adjustable abutment 51 near the outer end of said link. Spring 50, lever 44, and link 46 constitute a yielding operative cross connection between thejaws, adapted to hold the jaws in either open or closed position. When the jaws are in open position, a bent portion of link 46 is forced against the inner side of jaw 38 by spring 50, so shift of lever 44 is resisted by said link and spring. In closedposition the pivots of the cross connection are relatively positioned so spring 50 is applied to press the jaws toward each other to firmly grasp a bottle. Bottles of dierent sizes are held in true position beneath the compressor, because the jaws are interlocked and equidistantly shifted. pivots of the operative cross connection are substantially alined when the jaws are in closed position and the link 46 and lever 44 are yieldingly retained without locking means. Spring 50 permits self-adjustment of the jaws against bottles of different sizes without substantial disturbance of the relative position of the pivots of the cross connection. l

The bottle-jaws are operated by handle 2l, secured to level' 19 of the compressor, and simultaneously with the compressor, so the holder and compressor will be respectively operated by a unitary means or handle and so operation of the shifting means will effect the respectiveA operation of both of said devices. A shifter-link 52 is pivotally connected with a downwardly-projecting stud 53, secured to and movable with member 12 of the compressor, and with operating-lever 44 of the holder, as at 54. Vhen handle 21 is shifted, movement. will be imparted to compressor member 12, which will shift link 52 laterally and swing lever 44 about its shifting fulcrum 45. Resultantly corresponding andsimultaneousoperation of thecompressor and the holder will be effected. Shifterlink 52 is loosely connected, as by a slot, with operating-lever 44 to provide a loose cony tion which The respective` nection between the lever 44 and the compressor, which avoids undue strains and permits independent action of the compressor with respect to the cork and of the holder with respect to the bottle. The construction described provides a lost-motion connecconjointly operates the coinpressor and holder, but leaves each of said devices free for independent action. Spring 50 operates alternately to hold the jaws in closed and open positions, and its connections are such that it leaves the compressor free for self-retention.

In operation a cork will be placed between the compressor members and a bottle will be placed between the holder-jaws, the parts being then in position seen in Figs. 3 and 5. Lateral shift of handle 2l will cause differential pivotal travel of the compressor members until the cork is compressed between the members and is held beneath the cork-driver, and simultaneously member 12 operates shifter-link 52 to operaterthe bottle-holder to grasp the bottle. Movement thus imparted to the link 52 will swing lever 44 about its shifting fulcrum 45 and draw spring-pressed link 46 into position to force the holder-jaws toward each other and to graspthe bottle. (See Fig. 6.) The shift of the holder-jaws is equalized by connector 43, so the jaws will ltravel equidistantly to and from each other, thus centering the bottle truly beneath the cork-compressor. The holder-jaws will then be spring-held against the bottle'. Loose link 52 limits the applied force of spring A50 to the holder parts and permits self-retention of the compressor parts and handle. When the machine is in position seen in Figs. 4 and 6, the driver can be operated to eject a cork from the compressor andinto the bottle. Reverse shift of handle 2l will effect simultaneous shift of the compressorand the holderjaws into open or receiving position. (Seen in Figs. 3 and 5.) Spring 50 also holds the holder-jaws in assigned open position.'

The mechanism for ejecting a cork from the compressor and into a bottle comprises a slidab'le carrier 26, a driver 25, secured in said carrier, an operating-lever 31, a pinion 33, secured to revolve with said lever, a stationary rack 34, secured to frame 9 and engaged by the pinion and rack-teeth 35 oncarrier 26. When lever 31 is shifted, a cycloidal movement will be imparted to pinion 33,which will impart longitudinal movement to carrier 26 and driver 25. Driver 25 when shifted longitudinally passes into socket 14 and ejects the corks from the compressor and into the vessel suspended beneath.

The invention possesses several important advantages. The eccentrically-swingingcompressor membersconstitute a compressor of great power which can be employed in a handoperated device without the use of long levers to obtain necessary leverage in compressing a cork. The self-retained compressor avoids IOO IIO

the necessity of locking and releasing means. The shifting handle being operatively connected with the compressor and the holder eects simultaneous operation of both of said devices, thereby rendering the operation more simple and simplifying the structure. The lost-motion connection effects such conjoint operation and leaves each of the devices independent in action and free for self-retention or retention by separate means. The holder jaws are spring-pressed for self-adjustment against a bottle and in both positions and alternately by the same spring and are equidistantly shifted to truly position bottles beneath the compressor.

The invention is not to be understood as restricted to the precise form or details shown and described, because these can be varied without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

Having thus described the invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. In a corking-machine, the combination with cork-dri ving means,of a cork-compressor comprising a plurality of cooperating members pivoted relatively eccentric with respect to one another, and whereby the members will be shifted to and from one another by movement of the members about their respective pivots.

2. In a corking-machine, the combination with cork-driving means,of a cork-compressor comprising a plurality of cooperating members pivoted relatively eccentric with respect to one another, and whereby the members will be shifted to and from one another by movement of the members about their respective pivots; said members being' self-retained in closed position when a cork is compressed therebetween.

3. In a corking-machine, the combination with cork-driving means,of a cork-compressor comprising a plurality of coperating members pivoted relatively eccentric with respect to one another, and whereby the members will be shifted to and from one another by movement of the members about their respective pivots, and a handle whereby the compressor can be operated. Y

4. In a corking-machine, the combination with cork-driving means,of a cork-compressor comprising a plurality of coperating members pivoted relatively eccentric with respect to one another, and whereby the members will be shifted to and from one another by movement of the members about their respective pivots; said members being connected for differential simultaneous movement with one another.

5. In a corking-machine, the combination with cork-d riving means, of a cork-compressor comprising a plurality of cooperating members pivoted relatively eccentric with respect to one another, and whereby the members will be shifted to and from one another by movecentric with respect to one another, and disposed to effect shift of the members to and from one another by movement of the members about their respective connections with said frame.

7. The combination with amframe and corkdriving means, of a cork-compressor comprising a plurality of cooperating members, one of which. has a pivotal connection with said frame, a lever pivotallyconnected with said frame, and another member connected with the first-specified member and shifted'by said lever, and movable independently of the lever, for alinement with the other member, the pivotal connections between the frame, the lever and the pivotally-connected member, being relatively eccentric with respect to each other, and whereby the members will be differentially shifted to and from one another by shift of the lever about its pivot.

8. The combination with a frame and corkd rivin g means, of a lever pivotally connected with said frame, and a cork-compressor comprising a plurality of cooperating members, one of which is pivotally connected to said frame, and another of which is pivotally connected to said lever and imparts movement to the other member, the pivotal connections between the frame and the lever and the pivot of the member connected to the frame, being relative eccentric with respect to each other, and whereby the members will be differentially shifted to and from one another by shift of the lever about its pivot.

9. The combination with aframe and corkdriving means, of a lever pivotally connected with said frame, and a cork-compressor comprising a plurality of coperating members, one of which is pivotally connected to said frame, and another of which is pivotally connected to said vlever and imparts movement to the other member, the pivotal connections between the frame and the lever and the pivot of the member connected to the frame, being relative eccentric with respect to each other, and whereby the members will be differentially shifted to and from one another by shift of the lever about its pivot, the said pivotal connections being substantiallyalined when the members are in closed position.

10. The combination with a frame and corkdriving means, of a cork-compressor comprising a plurality of cooperating members having se parate pivotal connection With said frame, said connections being relatively eccentric with respect to one another, and disment of the members about their respective posed to effect shift of the members to and IOO IIO

from one another by movement of the members about their respective connections with said frame, the connections between the several parts being disposed so the members and lever will be self-retained in closed position when a cork is compressed between the members.

11. The combination with a frame and corkdriving means, of a cork-compressor comprising a plurality of cooperating members, one of which has a pivotal connection with said frame, a lever pivotally connected with said frame, and another member connected with the first-specified member and shifted by said lever, and movable independently of the lever, for alinement with the other member, the pivotal connections between the frame, the lever and the pivot-ally-connected member, being relatively eccentric with respect to each other, and whereby the members will be differentially shifted to and from one another by shift of the lever about its pivot, the connections between the several parts being disposed so the members and levers will be self-retained in closed position when a cork is compressed between the members.

12. In a corking-machine, the combination with a cork-compressor, of a clamp for holding a vessel in position to receive a cork, and means which, when shifted, will operate the compressor to compress a cork and will also eect shift of the clamp into position to secure a vessel.

13. In a corking-machine, the combination with a cork-compressor, of-a clamp for holding a vessel in position to receive a cork, and a hand-lever which, when shifted, will operate the compressor to compress a cork and will also eect shift of the clamp into position to secure a vessel.

14E. In a corking-machine, the combination with a cork-compressor, of a clamp for holding a vessel in position to receive a cork, and operating means having connection with the compressor and with the clamp, said connections eecting the operation of the compressor to compress a cork and shift of the clamp into position to secure a vessel conjointly, and effecting also operation of the compressor into position to receive a cork and shift of the clamp into position to receive a vessel.

15. `In a corking-machine, the combination with a cork-compressor, of a clamp comprisinga pair of jaws both of which are positioned to grasp the mouth portion of a vessel, and means which, when shifted, will operate the compressor to compress acork and effect shift of the clamp to secure a vessel.

16. In a corking-machine, the combination with a cork-compressor, of a clamp for holding a vessel in position to receive a cork, and means which, when shifted, will simultaneously operate, the compressor to compress a cork and effect shift of theclamp into position to secure a vessel.

17. In a corking-machine, the combination with a cork-compressor, of a clamp for holding a vessel in position to receive a cork, and a hand-lever which, when shifted, will simultaneously operate the compressor to compress a cork and effect shift of the clamp into posi tion to secure the vessel.

1S. In a corking-machine, the combination with a cork-compressor, of a clamp comprising a pair of movable jaws positioned to grasp the mouth portion of a vessel, and means which, when shifted, will simultaneously operate, the compressor to compress a cork and effect shift of both of said jaws.

19. In a corking-machine, the combination with a cork-compressor, of a clamp comprising a pair of movable jaws positioned to grasp the mouth portion of a vessel, and a handlever which, when shifted, will simultaneously operate the compressor to compress a cork and effect shift of both of said jaws.

20. In a corking--machine, the combination with a cork-compressor of a clamp comprising a pair of movable jaws for graspinga vessel, and a lever which, when shifted, will operate the compressor to compress a cork and effect shift of both of said jaws, said lever having fixed connection with one of said devices and a lost-motion connection with the other of said devices.

2l. In a corking-machine, the combination with a cork-compressor of a clamp comprising a pair of movable jaws for grasping a vessel, and a lever which, when shifted, will operate the compressor to compress a cork and effect shift of both of said jaws, said lever having fixed connection with the compressor and a lost-motion connection with the clamp.

22. In a corking-machine, the combination with a cork-compressor of a vessel-clamp, comprisinga pair of pivoted jaws having positive relative simultaneous and equidistant travel and means which, when shifted, will operate the compressor to compress a cork and shift said jaws.

23. In a corking-machine, the combination with a cork -compressor of a vessel-clamp, comprising a pair of pivoted jaws having positive relative simultaneous and equidistant travel and means which, when shifted, will operate the compressor to compress a cork and shift said jaws; said jaws being free to grasp vessels of different sizes.

24. In a corking-machine, the combination with a corkcompressor of a vesselclamp, comprisinga pair of pivoted jaws havingpositive relative simultaneous and equidistant travel, and a lever which, when shifted, will operate the compressor to compress a cork, and shift said jaws, said lever having a lostmotion connection with the jaws to grasp vessels of different sizes.

25. In a corking-machine, the combination withacork-compressorcomprisingaplurality of movable members, said members being self-retained in closed position when a cork is compressed therebetween, of a vessel-clamp, and means which, when shifted, will shift IOO IIO

the compressor members, and operate the clamp.

26. In a corking-niachine, the combination with a cork-compressor,comprisin g a plurality of Emovable members, said members being self-retained in closed position when a cork is compressed therebetween, of a vessel-clamp, and means which, when shifted, will shift the compressor members, and operate the clamp,

said clamp comprising a pair of spring-pressed jaws.

27. In a corking-ma'chine, the combination with a cork-compressor, of a clamp comprising a pair of jaws for holding a vessel in position to receive a cork, means which, when shifted, will operate the compressor, and shift said jaws, and a spring yieldingly and alternately holding the jaws in open and closed position.

28. In a corking-machine, the combination with a cork-compressor,comprisin g a plurality of movable members, self-retained in closed position when a cork is compressed therebetween, of a clamp comprising a pair of jaws for holding a vessel in position to receive a cork, means which, when shifted,will operate the compressor, and shift said jaws, and a spring yieldingly and alternately holding the jaws in open and closed position.

29. In a machine of the character described, a bottle-holder comprising the combination of a pair of jaws, pivoted eccentrically with respect to each other, means connecting said jaws and effecting positive equidistant movement of each jaw and maintaining the jaws in the same relative position with respect to a fixed central point so vessels will be centralized by the jaws, said means comprising a part separate from the jaws and extending between the jaws and into a seat in each of said jaws, and means wherebythe jaws can be shifted.`

30. In a machine of the character described, a bottle-holding device, comprising a pair of pivoted jaws, means connecting said jaws and effecting positive equidistant movement of each jaw with respect to a fixed central point, so bottles will be centralized by the jaws, a spring forcing the jaws against the bottle, and operating means whereby the jaws can be shifted.

31. In a machine of the character described, a bottle-holding device, comprising a pair of pivoted jaws, means connecting said jaws and eiecting positive equidistant movement of each jaw with respect to a fixed central point, so bottles will be centralized Aby the jaws, operating means, and a spring interposed between the operating means and said jaws, and whereby the jaws will be forced against a bottle.

32. `In a machine of the character described, a bottle-holding device, comprising a pair of pivoted jaws, means connecting said jaws and effecting positive equidistant movement of each jaw with respect to a fixed central point, so bottles will be centralized by the jaws, operating means comprising a link and a lever, respectively connected with the jaws and with each other, and a spring, the connections between the jaws, the link and the lever, being alined when the jaws are in closed position, said jaws being free to be forced against the bottle by the spring.

33. In a machine of the character described, a bottle-holding device, comprising a pair of pivoted jaws, means connecting said jaws and effecting positive equidistant movement of each jaw with respect to a fixed central point, so bottles will be centralized by the jaws, operating means comprising a link and a lever, respectively connected with the jaws and with each other, and a spring, the connections between the jaws, the link and the lever, being alined when the jaws are in closed position, said jaws being free to be forced against the bottle by the spring and being yieldingly held in open position by said spring.

JAMES COOMBER. Witnesses:

RUDOLF BUECKING, HERMANN LELEUs. 

